Ugandans and the rest of the world are using social media to express shock, grief, condolences and offer prayers to the late Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
Kaweesi, the country’s Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) was shot dead on Friday morning alongside his driver Godfrey Wambewo and his bodyguard Kenneth Erau.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Emirian Kayima confirmed the murders, adding investigations have been launched. Gunmen shot the three as they left his home in Kulambiro – Kisaasi, a Kampala suburb.
Confirmed sources report that Kaweesi was heading to the Police headquarters, then Uganda Christian University to speak to the finalists about graduate opportunities in the police.
The bodies were removed from the scene and taken to the City mortuary at Mulago Referral Hospital.
“I condole with the families of Kaweesi, Kenneth Erau & Godfrey Mambewa and assure them that government will bring their killers to book.” President Y K Museveni has said, through a statement to media houses.
He has directed the immediate installation of cameras in all major towns of Uganda and along the highways.
With so much activity on social media, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the government regulatory body of the communications sector has warned media houses over broadcasting gruesome images from the crime scene.
Shock, Grief, Condolences and Prayers
Several state dignitaries, public figures and religious leaders have expressed concern over this shooting.
Popular opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has termed the incident as both shocking and paralysing.
He said Kaweesi’s death is “an obvious indication that Uganda has now been turned into a mafia state”.
“The late Andrew Kaweesi was empathetic and had a humane side to him. He related with people personally.” Besigye said, with Norbert Mao adding that he [Kaweesi] was an amiable man who tried to put a human face to the police.
IGP Kale Kayihura told Journalists that this is not the first time such kind of murder has happened.
“Our police officers have been victims. The locals say the killers pretended to be repairing their motorcycle. All we need to do is to enhance vigilance. They have killed our officer but they haven’t finished us. We will get them.” He said.
Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda issued his statement saying “The late Andrew Felix Kaweesi was an honorable man who handled national affairs with expertise.”
The Daily Monitor reports that Lwengo residents have declare a week of mourning for the fallen Police officer.
Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who is attending a meeting in New York had mourned Kaweesi.
“His imposing height, personality and stature have been a very familiar and comforting presence in the police force. He has been my friend as he was to so many.” She said.
“All of us at Kampala City Council Authority deeply mourn the very sad and tragic death of the AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi.” Said KCCA Director Jennifer Musisi.
“Kaweesi has been a humble intelligent successful professional police officer ..the whole country has lost. It’s bad to leave behind such younger children….we pray for his family.” Pastor Umar Mulinde said.
Pr Wilson Bugembe said: “He was a good man! Dear Lord, for how long shall we shed innocent blood on the streets of Kampala! Who killed My friend? He din’t deserve this! Oh Lord. Who loves Uganda, if we kill those who love their nation, those who are not corrupt. So easy to approach, loves everyone, risks his life for others…One day the Lord of justice will judge and everything done in darkness shall come to light.”
Is Uganda safe?
Most Ugandans have called for improved security measures urging that if such a top Security official was easily murdered, how safe are civilians.
Many have called for a re-evaluation of Uganda’s security, so as to deal with these threats and rampant murders of top officials, and cub the abilities of these groups to conduct attacks.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
